Abstract: A clamping circuit comprises a first transistor having a first and a second resistor shunting the base-collector and base-emitter junctions, respectively, and a second transistor opposite in polarity to the first transistor which has its emitter connected to the base of the first transistor. Externally, the clamping circuit has a connection from the collector of the first transistor to a first voltage level terminal, from the emitter of the first transistor to a voltage output terminal, and from the base of the second transistor to a reference voltage terminal. A second voltage level terminal is provided to which portions of the circuit, including the emitter of the first transistor and the collector of the second transistor, are connected.